Designers are begging you not to install these 19 popular home features during your next renovation
“I’m constantly advising families to design for the 360 days a year, not the five. For households with young kids, a main-floor playroom or flexible family space will be used daily, while a formal dining room may only see action on a few holidays,” says Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio. “Folding tables and a slightly kitschy holiday setup are far more practical than sacrificing everyday functionality and sanity.”
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Business of Home
“From consultations and sourcing trips to installs and more, the day of an interior designer can be hectic. This week, we asked eight industry pros how they organize their schedules to make the most of every minute.”
4 Living Room "Rules" Designers Say You Should Break—Starting With Where to Put Your TV
“Everyone has room to be together—whether that’s for movie watching, long conversations, or longer cat naps,” says Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. “With that, the design goal is to comfortably seat everyone and have adequate surfaces to do the things they love to do.”
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What are your time management tips?
“I have three main time management strategies. First, I organize my emails by priority, [using] different folders to categorize by content and urgency. Second, I block Monday mornings for team meetings. By starting the week with a global conversation about everything that needs to be conquered by Friday, I am able to thoughtfully plan. Third, I outsource control of my calendar. This removes my emotional connection and gives an objective member of my team the ability to tweak and shift for productivity without the bias of my creative proclivities.” —Leah Hook, Gray Oak Studio, Lynnfield, Massachusetts
The beachy aesthetic is dead—designers reveal the new trends in coastal design
Leah Hook, founder and principal of Gray Oak Studio, says, “Pairing the deeper stain with lots of grain or an organic shape makes these furnishings feel natural and complementary to the ocean and nature itself.”
19 Home Features You’ll Regret Installing, According to Designers
“I’m constantly advising families to design for the 360 days a year, not the five. For households with young kids, a main-floor playroom or flexible family space will be used daily, while a formal dining room may only see action on a few holidays,” says Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio. “Folding tables and a slightly kitschy holiday setup are far more practical than sacrificing everyday functionality and sanity.”
Is Your Home Quietly KILLING Your Love Life? Here’s How Designers Say You Can Get the Spark Back
“A vase purchased on a special trip or a small object with shared history deserves a place of honor,” Hook says. “When these items are styled thoughtfully and intentionally made the focus of a vignette, they become daily reminders of connection and shared experiences.”
70 Chic Living Room Paint Colors Designers Say Won't Go out of Style
Benjamin Moore's Van Courtland Blue brings a sense of balance to the neutral furnishings in this living room by designer Leah Hook of Gray Oak Studio. "It’s a gorgeous midtone that steps well outside the neutral zone without feeling dark or moody," Hook says. "It's a definitively blue color with subtle green and gray undertones that allow it to steer clear of divisive turquoise hues or youthful chambray shades."
Why Every Home Can Benefit From a ‘Sunday Reset’ – A Designer-Approved Guide to Refreshing Your Interiors for the Week Ahead
Founder and Principal Designer of Gray Oak Studio Leah Hook, recommends switching around the artwork in your home each Sunday. 'It could be a family photo, a mini art print from a farmer's market, a piece of art from your children, a postcard from a summer vacation, or even a beautiful magazine clipping. Over time, you’ll build a folder of images that reflect both memories and mood, and it's fun to collect things throughout the year!' the designer explains.
'Something as simple as a rotating photo or print invites reflection on joyful memories or anticipation of what’s to come,' Leah continues. 'A quick glance at the 'new' art will pull you into the present, set the mood for the week ahead, and, ideally, stir a smile.'
6 affordable countertop materials that look way more expensive than they actually are
For a sleek and modern look that still feels luxe, designer Leah Hook of Gray Oak Studio notes that you can’t go wrong with a classic Super White Quartz. “A solid white quartz is an affordable option that consistently reads as more expensive than it is,” she adds. “I love using it to lay a neutral foundation so you can invest elsewhere—like with a bold cabinet color, interesting door style, or statement hardware—without overwhelming the space.”
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8 Kitchen Lighting Trends Designers Say You Need to Follow to Add Layered Warmth to Your Space in 2026
'In 2026, I’m excited to see a shift toward linear chandeliers over kitchen islands. We’ve enjoyed a long era of pendants, and it’s simply time for something fresh. I’m not referring to the elongated lanterns that had a big moment a decade ago,' says Leah Hook, founder and principal designer at Gray Oak Studio.